Turkey conducts multiple airspace violations in the Aegean Sea

Tensions in the Aegean Sea have escalated following a series of airspace violations by Turkish aircraft. On August 17, 2026, Turkey conducted 12 violations of Greek national airspace involving three unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and one CN-235 maritime cooperation aircraft. These incidents occurred shortly after Ankara declared two new maritime parks in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, a move Greece contested by stating the parks exceed Turkish territorial waters.

The activity intensified on August 18, 2026, with a significant increase in incursions. A total of 12 Turkish aircraft, including armed F-16 fighter jets, a CN-235, and four UAVs, were recorded. These flights resulted in 25 violations of Greek national airspace and 14 violations of the Athens Flight Information Region (FIR). The incursions spanned the northeastern, central, and southeastern Aegean.

Greek Armed Forces identified and intercepted the aircraft in accordance with international rules and established practices. While the initial incursions on August 17 involved unarmed aircraft, the subsequent activity on August 18 included armed F-16 formations and one recorded engagement.